Thursday, January 29, 2009

So the other day I stopped at Rowe Photo to look at some new lenses. I just about pulled the trigger on a beautiful Nikon 85mm f1.8 (which I might go back and get soon, its calling me) but I worked up the courage to go do what I went out to do; go take some pictures. Shortly after, I mounted up my trusty tokina 11-16mm f2.8, and grad ND filter and went off to take some pictures at Mount Hope Cemetery. It was a beautiful day for pictures, something I've missed for a long time. I hope you enjoy the pictures!

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

After almost a week of talking with the photography department at RIT, I've finally been able to register for the Architectural Photography class I've wanted to take there. First, they gave me the cookie cutter response that since I'm not a photo major I can't take the class. Then they told me that I would be able to take intro to photo, or still photography 1. Finally, after making it known that the permission of the instructor would be adequate, I convinced them to let me into the class.

Its being taught by one of the best teachers in the school, which says a lot because RIT is rated as the #2 photography school in the nation. I'm really excited about this, hopefully it will give me a chance to improve my skills and help me make some good connections. I'm sure I'll be posting lots of architectural stuff in the future!

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Yesterday I went to Mount Hope Cemetery to take some pictures of the landscape, snow, and trees. Unfortunately, I'm in that new car love stage still so I ended up getting a bit sidetracked and I spent just as much time taking picture of my car as the landscape. I realize this is like wearing a strawberry costume to a funeral but I just really loved the contrast of the bright red and the blue sky and white snow. Anyways here they are, I'll be posting the carless pictures soon!

I love shooting at Mount Hope Cemetery. If you haven't had a chance to visit, its filled with old gravestones, twisted trees, and beautiful stone work. Here is one of my shots from yesterday. I used a Graduated Neutral Density Filter to balance light from the sky. I have many more to post soon so stay tuned!

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Its not everyday I get to shoot such a warm-hearted wedding on such a cold day. Catherine and Mike's wedding was filled with lots of laughter, love, and dancing. A beautiful ceremony at the The Church of the Transfiguration started off the day. After that we headed over to a spectacular reception at Eagle Vale Country Club. The wind and snow was blowing outside, but that didn't stop anyone from having an awesome evening. Here are some of my favorites from the day. Thanks for having me guys! Enjoy!

Look up! You probably already did. I decided to change the title picture. It's cold enough outside, when I update my blog I don't want to have to look at another snowy bench. I found the above image a bit more warming. It's one of my favorites from a wedding that I shot on a warm august day on lake ontario. Enjoy!

Monday, January 19, 2009

Sometimes the ugliest things in life can make the best pictures. I've found that pictures of trash, broken glass, rust, and a spray paint really add to a picture. These things add texture and character to a picture. They also bring along vibrant colors and strange shapes.

Take the above image for instance. The dirt and grime really add to the image. Another one of my favorite things to do is to take pictures of something very clean and shiny in front of something completely the opposite.

The contrast of the shiny black car and the dirty, rusty pipes really make the image. Experiment with things like this next time you are out shooting! Here is one more example how patterns as well as rust can really add to an image. I found these rusty augers in a local farming community. They really made for an interesting image!

Keep an eye out for things like this next time your shooting. Things like this are all around and can provide for some very interesting images.

Saturday, January 17, 2009

I'm sick of snow so I'm going to start posting up some pictures from back in the good days when it was warm out. The last few years I've taken an annual trip to the Adirondacks with some of my good friends, Chris and Logan. Its always a great trip to get out away from everything and everywhere else. We usually stay up on 8th lake, on the campgrounds there. Besides relaxing this always gives me a lot of great chances to photograph some new scenery. Here are a few of my favorites I took a few years ago!